The Shanghai International Circuit’s infamous pit entry run-off has been changed from gravel to asphalt for this weekend’s Chinese Grand Prix.

The circuit’s pit entry has featured a gravel run-off on its approach since the venue’s inaugural Grand Prix in 2004, a rather inexplicable decision given much of the track features the almost ubiquitous (and safer) gravel alternative.

The section of kitty litter shot to notoriety in the 2007 race, with Lewis Hamilton crashing out and costing himself the Drivers’ Championship title in his debut season.

More recently, the gravel trap has claimed victim to Pastor Maldonado – who crashed out in Friday practice (pictured top) last year – and Sergio Pérez in 2013.

The FIA has confirmed the run-off change in addition to a number of other minor track changes for this weekend’s 56-lap race.

In addition to the run-off change, a debris fence has been installed in the pit entry to protect marshals, while the race control CCTV system has been upgraded to high definition cameras and screens.